Restaurants nowadays need to offer an experience that engages all of the senses. Patrons no longer want to be enamored just by the sights, sounds, tastes and textures of the meal being presented to them; they want to be impressed by the surrounding space as well.
According to a professional interior design and fit out company in Dubai, here are some of the most innovative design trends that are changing today’s dining experience:
1. Natural materials
Incorporating designs inspired by Mother Nature will continue to be a popular trend in restaurant interiors.
Untreated surfaces or exposed materials such as concrete, bricks, pipes, wood and metal will remain a common feature. The mix evokes a rustic but industrial look that creates drama while still being visually appealing. For instance, an interior designer may design a space that utilizes wooden furniture with leather upholstery mixed with metallic accessories or displays.
2. Old school with a modern feel
Vintage has made a comeback over the last few years as well. You may find restaurants with a modern design or layout but filled with vintage pieces. The result is a cozy and luxurious interior that doesn’t look or feel outdated.
3. Wall art
Designers are seeing the potential of wall surfaces inside restaurants. Regardless of whether they are new or refurbished, an increasing number of restaurants feature art on their walls. When we say art, this does not refer to framed photos or paintings. In some cases, you may find designers who have gotten creative when it came to patterns and textures. Graffiti, digital and abstract art fill the walls, giving the interiors a more grungy, street feel to them.
4. Ambient lighting
The recent design trends for restaurants feature two extremes. On one end, you have interiors that feature more plush materials while on the other, you may find restaurants that feature a more minimalist approach.
Vintage lamps and chandeliers are out when it comes to minimalist interiors. Instead, what you may find are pendant lights, and recessed & customized lamps that feature a rustic style.
5. Open kitchen
To offer diners a more immersive experience, some restaurateurs have opted to include an open kitchen in the design of their restaurants. Traditionally, kitchens were hidden well away from the eyes of the restaurant’s patrons.
Newer restaurants feature an open kitchen design which allow patrons to get a glimpse of how their meals are prepared. The sights, sounds and smells of the food being prepared add to the overall ambiance of the restaurant’s interior.
6. Private spaces
An open kitchen design may bring an added depth to the dining experience, but some diners still want a sense of privacy, even when dining out.
There are many ways to achieve this. In some restaurants, you may find spaces divided into cubicles or separated using partitions. Space dividers may come in the form of floor to ceiling wooden beams or glass curtains. The aim is to create private spaces for diners that won’t isolate them from the rest of the restaurant.
7. Customized ceilings
Gone are the days of flat ceilings. More novel restaurant interiors feature more creative ceiling designs. In some dining establishments, you may find ceiling patterns that resemble a flow of water, lighting fixtures that look like stars in the sky, or exposed metal pipes for a more industrial look.
With all of these designs, it is important to note that each element contributes to the overall experience: walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, furniture, accessories and music can all have an effect. Even the distance between diners and the kitchen can change the feel of the space. For designers, it is important to consider the needs of both the client and the market they serve.
Traditionally, the design of the restaurant could influence the type of customer it draws in. However, it is also possible to use the current culture and changes in technology as inspiration for the next design. Designers need to look at all avenues, and who knows? They may come up with a truly innovative design in the future.
AUTHOR BIO
Shane Curran
CEO at Interact Group LLC
Interact Group is a design-led interior fit out company that aims to set new standards in the UAE interiors market. Driven by their dedication to total customer experience, the company’s mission is to bring truly specialized teams to complex design and fit out challenges, utilizing their unmatched ability to deliver spaces efficiently and above expectation.
